London, August 21 (RHC)-- According to reports from London, the Bibby Stockholm, which docked off the Dorset Coast last month, was supposed to house as many as 500 refugees.  But, within recent days, a few dozen refugees were sent on board and then swiftly removed due to the discovery of Legionnaire’s disease in the water supply of the barge.

British authorities had hoped to eventually transfer as many as 500 men between the ages of 18 and 65 to the three storey floating accommodation block while they await the outcome of their asylum applications.

Cheryl Avery, Director for Asylum Accommodation, the British official in charge of the operation, told reporters: "We have had a few challenges but this is part of an ongoing structured process to bring a cohort of up to 500 people on board.  There have been some challenges, some minor legal challenges, and I can't go into the detail of those ... accommodation is offered to all individuals on a no choice basis."

The decision to house refugees on the barge was made despite safety warnings from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), which raised concerns over the narrow exits and possible overcrowding.  The government says it wants to "limit the pull factors" attracting asylum seekers to Britain.

The authorities claim more than 50,000 are currently living in hotels, having made the final part of their journey across the English Channel in small dinghies.